The Late Movies: Barbara Walters' Best Interviews

Recently, rumors swirled that famed broadcaster Barbara Walters, who has dominated the television for more than 50 years, was going to announce her retirement. A few days later, Walters disputed the notion—to the relief of her longtime fans. Walters, who began her career in 1961 on The Today Show, has interviewed hundreds of famous people with her hard-hitting, tough-as-nails style. Here, six of her most memorable moments.

Katharine Hepburn

Walters was teased mercilessly for asking the famous actress what kind of tree she would be.

Monica Lewinsky

This interview was seen by 74 million viewers, making it the highest-rated television interview ever.

Fidel Castro

Walters expertly interviewed the dictator in 1977. Twenty-five years later, they revisited the interview and sparred over some of the same topics.

Johnny Carson

In 1984, Walters sat down with the late-night host.

Elizabeth Taylor

The broadcaster was good friends with Taylor. Here, she spoke to her after Taylor was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Bashar al Assad

This controversial interview with the Syrian ruler was headline-grabbing, in-your-face and tough.

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DID YOU KNOW? Marlon Brando hated memorizing lines so much that he posted cue cards everywhere to help him get through scenes.
He even asked for lines to be written on an actress's posterior. (That request was denied.)